Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce
Sausage Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce are festive, bite-sized appetizers combining savory ground sausage, classic herby stuffing, and fresh vegetables, baked to golden perfection and topped with tangy, sweet cranberry sauce. Ideal for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings, these flavorful snacks are easy to prep ahead, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
Stuffing Base
- 4 cups stuffing mix (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh, minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, minced)
Topping
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Veggies: Brown the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly crisp. Drain excess fat, then add finely chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, creating a savory aromatic base.
- Mix the Stuffing Base: In a large bowl, combine the stuffing mix with the cooked sausage and veggies. Pour in chicken broth gradually and stir to moisten evenly. Add beaten egg, melted butter, and herbs, mixing gently until well incorporated.
- Form the Bites: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop the mixture into small, bite-sized mounds on a greased baking sheet or silicone mat. Press each mound slightly to keep compact while baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Add Cranberry Sauce: Top each bite with a small spoonful of cranberry sauce just before serving to add a sweet-tart contrast and vibrant color.
Notes
- Choose quality sausage for best flavor.
- Do not overmix the stuffing mixture to keep bites light.
- Add broth gradually to maintain moisture without sogginess.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform bite sizes.
- Add cranberry sauce fresh before serving to maintain texture and brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: sausage stuffing bites, cranberry sauce appetizer, holiday appetizers, bite-sized snacks, savory stuffing bites, gluten-free appetizers
